On Oct. 23, Molloy University's School of Education and Human Services will host the World Language Summit, bringing together world language directors from public school districts and teacher educators from universities across Nassau and Suffolk counties to address pressing challenges facing language education.
The summit will feature a panel discussion followed by collaborative group discussions designed to identify shared concerns and develop actionable steps toward addressing them.
According to Dr. Jacqueline Endres Nenchin, professor at Molloy University and organizer of the event, the summit will focus on several critical issues, including the ongoing shortage of world language teachers, which can lead to the discontinuation of language programs in schools.
Other areas of discussion will include the decline in world language study, particularly in less commonly taught languages such as Russian and Greek and Indigenous languages such as Algonquian and Cherokee. Participants will also explore opportunities to strengthen teacher candidates' language proficiency and cultural knowledge, as well as the evolving landscape of language instruction in response to changing state standards and societal needs.
"Molloy is the ideal host for this summit because it has long-standing connections with local school districts and universities on Long Island and an active teacher education program," said Nenchin.
The event also reflects Molloy's continued commitment to educational excellence, underscored by its recent recognition as the #1 Education Program in New York State by Niche in its 2027 rankings.
"The World Language Summit is a wonderful example of why our Teacher Education Program was just ranked #1 in New York State by Niche," said Dr. Melissa McCardle, dean of the School of Education and Human Services. "This event allows us to bring together experts from around the region to address the growing shortage of language educators while exploring the broader challenges facing world language education today."
"I applaud Dr. Nenchin for her leadership in organizing this event. By creating a space for dialogue and problem-solving, she is helping to ensure that the School of Education and Human Services is not only preparing outstanding educators but is also responding to critical needs in our schools, among our students, and throughout our communities."
Nenchin hopes the summit will serve as a starting point for continued collaboration among language educators, establishing a foundation for meaningful solutions to the challenges facing world language teaching and learning in schools and universities.
